Before You Apply
Learn if a Pug is for You
Find out if a pug is right for you. Get started by learning more about the breed and about their common health concerns. If you don’t currently have a dog, we also recommend learning about the costs associated with owning a dog.
Meet our Adoption Requirements
In order to be able to adopt with us, you must meet the following basic requirements:
- You must be at least 21 years of age.
- You cannot have been convicted of any animal abuse laws.
- The pug must not be a gift or “surprise” for another person.
- All pets in the home must be altered (spayed or neutered), unless a medical reason is provided to us by a veterinarian.
- All pets in the home must be up to date on vaccinations per minimum vaccination policy.
- You must agree to feed your pug an approved, high-quality dog food (see examples).
- You cannot have an invisible fence (learn why).
- If you have a dog door, it must only be used under supervision.
- If you live in a rental property, you must provide a signed letter of approval from your landlord or other documentation stating you are allowed you to have a pug.
- You must agree to pay the adoption donation
- If you live outside of Nebraska, you must be willing to arrange safe transportation for the pug
See our Available Pugs
Check out our Pugs Available for Adoption page to learn about the pugs currently in our care. Keep in mind any special needs or requirements mentioned in their profiles.
Come to an Event
Meet some of our adoptable pugs and with our volunteers to ask any questions you may have about the adoption process.
Pre-Screening and Application
Email our Adoption Coordinator
We are currently pre-screening all potential adopters before they complete our adoption application. Email our adoption coordinator at kristi@pugpartners.com and let her know the pug you are interested in and why you think you’re a great fit for them. We will NOT accept inquiries via Facebook/instagram. Our adoption coordinator is a volunteer with a full-time job, so please be patient when waiting for a reply.
Our adoption application is long and requires a great deal of time from both the potential adopter to complete and for volunteers to check. By pre-screening, we are hoping to prevent any potential adopter who is unlikely to be approved from spending their time filling out an application. The most common reason for applications being denied is that applicants did not read/meet our Adoption Requirements.
If the adoption coordinator agrees that you may be a potential fit for the pug, she’ll send you a link to our adoption application.
Fill out Adoption Application
In the application, you will need to provide the following:
- Contact information for your current veterinarian (if you have one).
- Personal references (3)
- A copy of your lease if you rent your home/apartment.
Once you have submitted your completed application, a volunteer will contact you within 10-15 days.
If you have questions regarding the application, please call us at 1-888-509-1940 (toll-free).
Ask your veterinarian and personal references to reply promptly.
Waiting on references to reply to our calls and emails can significantly slow down the adoption process. If your vet or references do not respond to our messages, your application may be declined.
Please be patient! We are staffed entirely by volunteers and we receive many applications every week.
Pugs are not placed on a “first come, first served” basis. We work hard to ensure each pug is placed in a home that fits their needs and the desires of the adopting family.
After You Apply
Volunteer's Home Visit
A volunteer will schedule and conduct a home visit, all of our adoptions require one. Don’t worry, the volunteer isn’t looking to judge the state of your kitchen sink or whether you made the beds – they are looking to ensure your home is pug-proof, and to ensure it is the right environment for the particular pug you are interested in.This is also a great opportunity to get to meet us and ask us any additional questions you may have.
Meet the Pug
If you haven’t already had the chance to do so, we’ll find an opportunity for you and any family members to meet the pug.
Sign an Adoption Agreement
See our link for a sample of an adoption agreement.
Pay the Adoption Donation
We accept payment via Venmo, money orders, cashier’s checks, or cash. Personal checks will only be accepted with prior approval.We spend more on medical bills and care for our pugs than we recover in adoption fees. For this reason, the adoption payment is not negotiable. The adoption donation is non-refundable after 14 days.
Pick up your Pug!
A volunteer will set up a time and location to transfer the pug to you.
You will receive the pug’s medical records and other documentation at this time.
After You Adopt
Submit your Survey
Help us out by completing our post adoption surveys. We want to hear from you. How is the new pug adjusting? Any questions or suggestions?